This stunning concrete lookout structure gives weary pilgrims a spectacular view of the surrounding Jalisco mountains in Mexico. Every year, two million pilgrims trek 73 miles to pay their respects to the Virgin of Talpa. Historically this journey has entailed significant suffering, so the Tourism Secretary of Jalisco commissioned Chilean-based <a href="http://www.elementalchile.cl/publicos/andador_ruta_del_peregrino/andador-peatonal-del-peregrino/">Elemental Architects</a> (along with a series of others including Al Wei Wei) to create a <a href="http://www.solus4.com/news/view/inhabitat-sustainable-marine-research-center-studies-tsunamis">sustainable structure</a> that would enhance the devotional experience.

At only 140 m sq, the lookout point provides visitors traveling the Ruta del Pelegrino a brief respite from their arduous journey. It also comprises one part of a larger corridor studded with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/sustainable-design-firm-pugh-scarpa-win-2010-aia-architecture-firm-award/">sustainable architectural projects</a> that in no way detract from the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/event/an-educational-ecological-bike-ride-in-the-lower-east-side/">ecological or historical integrity</a> of this very important event.
Albeit a simple design, we find it very beautiful and inspiring....<br><br><a href='http://inhabitat.com/stunning-lookout-frames-the-jalisco-mountains-for-weary-pilgrims/'>READ ARTICLE</a>

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

The Ruta del Pelegrino attracts 2 million pilgrims each year.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

Their journey is typified by austerity.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

So the designers, Elemental, had to create a design that could frame the Jalisco mountains.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

Without detracting from the devotional experience.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Pelegrino

The lookout is a small 140km2 structure.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

Made from concrete.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

Albeit small and simple, we find it quite beautiful.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

And it fits in with the surrounding landscape and historical context of the 117 km pilgramage route.

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Ruta del Pelegrino lookout by Elemental

This stunning concrete lookout structure gives weary pilgrims a spectacular view of the surrounding Jalisco mountains in Mexico. Every year, two million pilgrims trek 73 miles to pay their respects to the Virgin of Talpa. Historically this journey has entailed significant suffering, so the Tourism Secretary of Jalisco commissioned Chilean-based Elemental Architects (along with a series of others including Al Wei Wei) to create a sustainable structure that would enhance the devotional experience.